What Was the Koshe Accident
The Koshe accident refers to a catastrophic landslide at the Koshe Garbage Landfill on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On a day in March 2017, a large section of the aging waste dump collapsed, burying workers and nearby informal settlement structures under tons of rubbish.
Casualties and Immediate Impact
The collapse killed more than 110 people and injured dozens of others, making it one of the deadliest landfill disasters in modern history. The incident drew international attention to the risks faced by waste pickers and communities living near poorly managed dumpsites.
Safety Reforms and Broader Lessons
Following the Koshe accident, authorities suspended operations at the landfill and launched investigations into waste management practices. The disaster highlighted the need for engineered landfill design, better monitoring, and alternative waste disposal strategies. For more context on landfill safety standards, see World Bank Solid Waste Management.
